Parents and nannies can work together to help children of all ages with good dental hygiene. Here are a few simple steps to help!
Build a Regular Routine
Building healthy teeth begins when children are babies. After feedings, nannies can wipe down babies’ gums with a clean cloth to remove bacteria, and they need to be aware of a condition called bottle mouth, where a baby’s teeth can become pitted or discolored. This happens when liquids like juice or milk remain in contact with teeth for long periods of time. Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle, and offer water in a cup for drinking during the day by the time a baby is a year old.
As babies transition to the toddler stage, teeth appear that need to be brushed regularly. During the course of the day, your nanny can help by using a tiny toothbrush and toothpaste (safe for young children) in small amounts. Help toddlers brush their teeth once in the morning and once before bed for about two minutes each time. These two minutes may seem really long, so nannies can incorporate simple songs – like the ABC song – to help pass the time.
As toddlers grow into preschoolers and beyond, flossing needs to be introduced with twice-a-day brushing. Children at this stage can also begin to understand the long-term effects of not taking care of their teeth. Take time to explain that bacteria sticks to their teeth, turning into plaque that uses acid to destroy teeth. Nannies need to reinforce this information with children, which is both entertaining and motivating!
Provide Snack and Drink Guidelines
Along with brushing and flossing, meals and snacks should also be on a regular schedule. Kids eat small amounts several times a day, and they thrive on breakfast, lunch and dinner with one snack in between meals.
To help keep teeth healthy, snacks need to be regulated to fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, which your nanny will need to structure throughout the day. In my household, there are “free” snacks that can be eaten anytime, which include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Crunchy foods, like apples and celery, will get rid of bacteria that turn into plaque.
Sugary, sticky snacks and desserts provide the best home for bacteria. Avoid giving these as snacks, along with sugary drinks, like fruit juices and soda. Water is the best option for quenching thirst, with milk as a close second to provide calcium for healthy teeth.
Brush the Right Way
It’s fun to have a variety of products for kids to choose from when it comes to taking care of their teeth. Have two or three toothbrushes available, and allow children to choose which toothbrush they want to use when it’s time to brush their teeth.
Other kid-friendly products to consider include plastic cups for rinsing, different colors of floss, and a variety of toothpaste flavors. Let kids put the toothpaste on the brush (emphasizing that the toothpaste should be the size of a pea).
Nannies need to plan on brushing their teeth when the children do, teaching them that it’s important to brush at the gum line, as well as all surfaces of the teeth. Kids will mostly want to brush their front teeth a couple of times and be done, but they really need to brush top, sides, front and back teeth for two to three minutes. Incorporate flossing, using it to get in-between teeth.
These strategies, put into practice by parents and nannies, will help kids of all ages have white, healthy smiles for years to come!
Kelly Wilson is a mom, freelance writer, and an expert money-saver who regularly visits her Cosmetic Dentist in Vancouver, Washington to keep her teeth clean and white.